Simply keeping active while you’re outside in the sun can help reduce your risk of getting skin cancer. Several past studies from other countries found an increased risk of melanoma among those who are physically active — based on the assumption that active people spend more time outdoors — but those studies have been countered by a new Norwegian study. That study concludes that being physically active outdoors does not increase the risk of melanoma.
Physical activity actually reduces the risk of several types of cancer, including melanoma. “When it comes to melanoma on the arms, we even found that the risk was somewhat reduced for the most active,” said Flavie Perrier, a researcher at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Oslo.
While past studies found that more active people tend to get sunburns, the new study found the opposite. “There was a higher share among the most active who did not get sunburns compared to those who were less active,” said researcher Marit Veierød. Study results aside, medical researchers still advise limiting your time in direct sunlight to avoid sunburn.
SOURCE: sciencenorway.no July 11, 2021